Ivorian striker Arouna Kone will make his first appearance for Everton in over a year when the English side face Russia's Krasnodar in the Europa League on Thursday. The 31-year-old has been out of action since injuring his knee in Everton's 2-1 win over Hull City in October 2013. "It's going to be fantastic to start. It'll be like making my debut again. It has been a long time coming," Kone was quoted as saying by Sky Sports. "I've never been out as long as I have with this injury. I have had to be patient. In training I feel great. The support from the manager and the fans has been very important. Last season was so frustrating. It was made easier with that support." The burly striker became the first signing of Everton coach Roberto Martinez when he joined Everton from Wigan Athletic in the summer of 2013. "Arouna is quite unique in what he brings so as a manager you welcome him back. He has plenty of experience and will make a difference," Spanish coach Martinez said. Everton have already ensured they would finish on top of Group H regardless of the outcome of their game against Krasnodar. (For more sports news andupdates, follow AhramOnlineSports on Twitter at@AO_Sportsand on Facebook atAhramOnlineSports.) http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/117637.aspx
